Farizon has secured a significant fleet order from commercial kitchen maintenance specialist MCFT, with the business selecting 20 new Farizon SV electric vans following an extensive competitive assessment process.
The deal marks the first major fleet success for the Chinese electric van brand as it looks to establish itself in the UK market, with MCFT choosing the SV over three rival electric vans from established manufacturers after a month-long evaluation programme.
MCFT, which provides maintenance, servicing and equipment supply for commercial kitchens across the UK and internationally, tested the Farizon SV with engineers operating from four locations. The assessment focused on key fleet criteria including load capacity, vehicle versatility, driving range and ease of use.
According to the company, the Farizon SV emerged as the strongest overall performer, achieving the highest scores across multiple categories and ultimately securing the order.
Read our Farizon SV review
The 20 vehicles will be supplied by Heathrow Van Centre and are based on the Farizon SV L1H1 83kWh model. Each van will receive bespoke storage systems from Van Racking Solutions before entering service with MCFT’s catering and refrigeration engineers.
The vehicles will be used for maintenance and repair visits, as well as the delivery and installation of commercial kitchen equipment across London and the surrounding regions.
The SV L1H1 offers 6.95m³ of load volume, a payload of up to 1,265kg and a loading height of 550mm. Powered by an 83kWh battery, the model delivers a WLTP combined range of up to 234 miles, while DC fast charging from 20% to 80% can be completed in as little as 36 minutes.
Read our Farizon SV payload guide
David Meacock, group director of engineering at MCFT, said the move forms part of the company’s wider sustainability strategy.
“As a global business, MCFT always looks at how we can support our customers in the most sustainable way,” he said.
“As the market begins to transition to eLCVs, our new fleet of all-electric Farizon SV vans will not only enhance the efficiency and reliability of our service operations, but also reflect our commitment to equipping our engineers with the best tools for the job.”
Read our Farizon SV dimensions guide
George Smith, fleet manager at MCFT, highlighted range as a critical factor in the purchasing decision.
“Our engineers can drive up to 25,000 miles a year, so a highly competitive range was an essential ingredient in ensuring our operations wouldn’t be affected by switching to an electric fleet,” he said.
“Factor in the cost savings we’ll be able to make, the SV’s impressive payload and high spec levels, and it’s clear this is the right solution for us.”
The vehicles were supplied through Heathrow Van Centre, which has become one of Farizon’s key retail partners since the brand’s UK launch.
Mark West, owner of Heathrow Van Centre, said: “It’s great to be working with MCFT, from understanding their requirements to supplying them with a fleet of vans that I’m sure will exceed their expectations.
“As they transition their fleet from diesel to electric vans, the Farizon SV is the ideal solution, built for business and ready to serve.”
Calum James, general manager of Farizon Auto UK, said the order reflects growing fleet interest in the brand’s electric van offering.
“With an impressive electric powertrain, high levels of space and utility, and very generous kit levels as standard, it’s great to see businesses like MCFT choose the Farizon SV for their operations,” he said.
“We’re in the latter stages of closing several more deals like this, reflecting the rapidly growing interest we’re seeing from fleets as they look to reduce costs, operate with greater sustainability credentials, and benefit from improved capability. On all fronts, the SV delivers.”
The MCFT order adds to a growing list of fleet customers for Farizon as the manufacturer continues its push into the UK electric van sector, targeting operators looking to transition away from diesel without compromising on payload, range or practicality.
